The Clinical Pattern and Complications of Severe Malaria in Parts of the Imo River Basin of Nigeria
Chukwuocha UM, Ins Dozie, BEB Nwoke, CN Ukaga, COE Onwuliri, AE Osuagwu · Nigerian Hospital Practice · 2009
Malaria presents a medical emergency because it may rapidly progress to complications and death without prompt and appropriate treatment. This study was carried out to determine the clinical pattern and complications of severe malaria in parts of the Imo River Basin of Nigeria. The medical records of all cases of malaria admitted to Aboh Mbaise General Hospital, Imo State, Nigeria over a three year period( from 2005 to 2007) were analyzed in retrospect. During the study period, 246 patients were diagnosed with malaria. The history of fever was generally present andin 78.8% of the cases it was associated with chills and rigors. Jaundice (23.5%) and splenomegaly (26%) were the most common physical abnormalities. Severe anemia (Hb